Vuosikerta 1988
Italy Vintage Report by Tb: 1988 was an outstanding year in every respect, even if its crop yield was small. Piedmont struggled with chilly and rainy weather in the spring and early summer. However, beginning in July the weather became hot and dry, allowing the grapes to achieve their optimal ripeness, which was largely ruined by the rains that came at harvest time. As a result, the crop was small, but very high in quality. Tuscany was spared from the harvest rains, and a hot, dry summer made for an outstanding crop, even if it was the smallest in 25 years. Wines from this vintage can still mature favourably in the bottle for another ten years, but Sangiovese-dominated wines are in their prime right now.